Don’t Be Tempted by Low Prices

Advertisements on marketplaces and social media often show used motorcycles being sold below market price, even when they are still in good condition. This happens because they are sold without a BPKB (Vehicle Ownership Certificate).

The usual excuse is that the BPKB has gone missing. But be careful; the real reason might be more serious, like a pawned or stolen bike.

Although low prices often tempt people to buy BPKB-less vehicles, doing so is highly risky and can lead to legal issues.

So, what exactly are the risks of purchasing a used motorcycle without its BPKB? Here’s what you need to know

3 Risks of Buying a Used Motorcycle Without BPKB

A BPKB serves as the legal document of vehicle ownership, detailing the vehicle and its owner’s information. If you decide to buy a used motorcycle without one, there are several negative consequences, such as:

1. Deemed an Illegal or Stolen Motorcycle

This is a serious violation; you could be charged as an accomplice to a crime for possessing stolen property. The police may also seize the used motorcycle you bought.

2. A Pawned Motorcycle

If the motorcycle has been pawned or used as collateral, it can be repossessed by the bank, financial institution, or lender.

Legally, a motorcycle being used as collateral cannot be sold or traded until the matter is resolved.

3. Reclaimed by the Bank or Leasing Company

It is possible that the used motorcycle is still being paid off in installments. If you purchase it this way, you risk being blackmailed by debt collectors who may accuse you of handling a stolen motorcycle.

It’s important to realize that when a vehicle is bought on credit, the owner does not have full legal possession until the final payment is made. For this reason, selling the bike or transferring the loan to another party is not permitted during the credit term without the lender’s approval.

Tips for Safely Buying a Used Motorcycle

To avoid problems, especially legal ones, you must ensure that the used motorcycle you plan to buy has complete, legal, and original papers. Here are a few tips for buying a used motorcycle more safely.

Check the market prices

Choose the brand, type, and production year of your target motorcycle, then research its market value. You can find these prices on marketplaces or at auction houses. Ensure the price stays within your budget and, most importantly, is negotiable.

Choose a trusted platform

A lot of used motorcycle sales take place online today. It’s best to buy a used one from a reliable marketplace or auction house. You can verify this by checking their track record, media coverage, and previous buyer reviews.

Inspect the condition directly

Check everything in detail, from the body and engine to the speedometer. Avoid motorcycles that have been flooded, in crashes, or heavily modified, as they may cause future issues. Confirm whether all the parts are still original or if they have been replaced.

Check all documents

Ensure the information on the STNK (Vehicle Registration Certificate) and BPKP matches the motorcycle’s physical details and the owner’s identity. Carefully verify that the frame and engine numbers are authentic and haven’t been re-stamped. Cases are common where people dealing in stolen bikes change the frame and engine numbers by stamping them. 

Hold your payment until handover

Many victims of used motorcycle sales report that the seller suddenly vanished after receiving the down payment.

Those are the risks of buying a used motorcycle without BPKB, along with safer buying tips. If you want a more affordable used bike with guaranteed legal documents, IBID auctions can be a great choice to buy a used motorcycle.

IBID is a business unit of PT Serasi Autoraya (SERA) that specializes in auctioning vehicles, electronics, heavy equipment, gadgets, and lifestyle goods. In addition to being professional and reliable, one of its benefits is the easy process.

As an auction house, IBID continues to innovate, create new opportunities, and deliver the best service to consignors and bidders.

Its auction categories now include property, giving both buyers and sellers more convenience and security.

Download the app from the Play Store and App Store. Also, follow IBID’s official Instagram: @ibid_balailelangserasi for the latest auction details and valuable tips.